NINE TO FIVE

21.09.12

Stylish office dressing is a well-honed skill, and in a season which boasts heritage-inspired shapes, fabrics and styling, there's a look to suit your every mood. Move from androgynous tailoring to soft, feminine looks and even those with a subtle sexiness. Never has the nine to five looked so good...

PARED-BACK SIMPLICITY

Keep things simple and dress up a beautifully-tailored dress with a skinny belt and oversized clutch

About the Shoot

Office attire often has a completely different sensibility to the rest of your wardrobe. But if you shake off those ‘work’ connotations, and express a little individuality and style through your tailored pieces, you’ll find a look to suit your every mood.

Each day requires different levels of sartorial attention, whether you’re off to a high-flying meeting, working on a project in the office or heading out for after-work drinks, your workwear choice needs consideration.

On days when a tailored, androgynous look appeals, try a beautifully-cut trouser suit and load on masculine-inspired layers; a buttoned-up shirt, v-neck knit and wool overcoat casually shrugged over the shoulders. It has a feeling of depth thanks to its multi-layered aesthetic but nods to the season’s trend for minimalism too, as each layer sits so effortlessly on top of the other.

If you love this look, but crave a slouchier approach, simply un-button that shirt and pull-on a textured knit in a heritage-inspired shade (forest green, burgundy or inky blue) to instantly feel more relaxed.

While feminine looks hark back to the Forties this season with nipped-in waists, ruched sleeves and styling with skinny belts, oversized bags, pointy heels and cute pull-on leather gloves.

This falls at the sexier end of tailoring and highlights the silhouette in its most shapely form. Out, in and back out again, volume is key, but be sure to balance those proportions with something sleek and figure-forming. Try pencil skirts with high waists, midi lengths and sexy slits to keep the equilibrium.

However, don’t be afraid of throwing out the balance all together by mixing fabrications and styles; wear a printed bodycon dress with a zipped blazer, snake print clutch and push-on boyish loafers. This demonstrates fashion ability, pairing unexpected pieces together and will be a talking point at the office.

Monday to Friday dressing lives for the nine to five, make yours as stylish as you dare.